Colony Bazaar: The 1970s Mall That Was Ahead Of Its Time
We take a trip down memory lane to explore the fascinating history of the Colony Bazaar Shopping Mall, a unique retail destination that opened in December 1974 at the intersection of Kenny and Henderson roads in Columbus, Ohio.
With its colorful entrance and unconventional open layout featuring minimal interior walls, the Colony Bazaar was home to about 23 vendors when it first launched.
Interestingly, it was also the site of the first TGI Friday's in Columbus and in the entire state of Ohio! Despite its innovative approach, the Colony Bazaar only lasted about five years, undergoing a concept change in 1979.
Alongside The Continent, another shopping center that opened around the same time, Colony Bazaar predicted many market trends that would become popular in the years to come.
Could this one-of-a-kind mall have thrived if it had lasted a few more decades? Join us as we delve into the story of this short-lived yet pioneering shopping experience that left its mark on Columbus's retail history.
Ohio Snapshots In Time digs into Ohio history one image at a time.
The series is produced by WOSU Public Media in partnership with the staff of the Columbus Metropolitan Library.
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David E. Lucas Collection/Columbus Metropolitan LibraryIn the 1960s, the construction of shopping malls had a deep impact on the American economy. Downtown retail struggled as shoppers flocked to large indoor and outdoor shopping centers. Today, Columbus’ first malls are either gone or in decline, but 50 years ago, they were in their prime. -
Columbus Restaurant HistoryThese days, the shopping center on Busch Boulevard in North Columbus sees very little retail activity. But once, it bustled the way Easton Town Center does now.
